Racing Window Nets Explained: Your Guide to Fitment, Compliance, and Safety
Motorsport safety guide
A window net fills the driver's side window opening in a competition car. Its job is to keep the driver's arms and head inside the car in a side impact or a roll, and to stop things coming in through the opening. It is a small part, but in many championships it is a required one.
This guide covers what a window net does, when you are likely to need one, how nets attach, how to choose one and the nets we sell from TRS and Sabelt. The rules on window nets are set by your championship and its governing body, and they change, so the scrutineer and your current regulations have the final say on what your car needs.
- A window net keeps the driver's arms and head inside the car in an impact or roll
- Many championships that require a cage also require a window net
- Nets attach to the cage or door frame with brackets, loops or velcro
- A quick release is needed so the driver or marshals can drop the net fast
- TRS nets come in standard, velcro and quarter light versions, in several colours
- Your championship's regulations and the scrutineer decide what is required
What is on this page
What a window net does
In a side impact or a roll, the driver’s arm can be thrown out through the window opening, and the head can move towards it. A window net closes the opening with strong webbing, so the arm and head stay inside the car. It also helps stop debris coming in.
It is not a replacement for a good seat, a harness and head and neck protection. It works with them. A seat with head support, a correctly fitted harness and a window net together keep the driver contained inside the safety cell.
Do you need one?
Window nets are common in circuit racing, rallying and some sprint, hill climb and time attack classes. If your car has a cage and competes, there is a good chance its regulations mention a window net, either as required or as recommended. Some regulations ask for a net built to an FIA specification; others leave it to the organiser.
The only reliable answer is in your championship’s current regulations and your governing body’s technical rules. Read them before you buy, and if anything is unclear, ask the scrutineer or the championship’s technical contact. They will also tell you whether the net must be on the driver’s side only, or on other openings as well.
How window nets attach and release
A net needs a fixed edge and a release edge. The fixed edge is usually held to a cage bar or the door frame. The release edge clips, latches or presses into place so it can be dropped quickly.
- Loops and a fixing kit. TRS's standard net has loops top and bottom. The TRS fixing kit gives a press-release bracket system for those loops.
- Velcro. The TRS velcro net presses onto velcro bonded to the door surround, and pulls free with no release mechanism.
- Cage bar. Some installs run the net's edge on a cage bar or a rod held in brackets.
Whichever method you use, check three things. The net should cover the opening without slack. It should be securely held along its fixed edge. And the driver, strapped in, and a marshal outside the car should both be able to release it quickly. Follow the net maker’s instructions, and if your regulations have their own requirements for the fixings, those come first.
If you are building or fitting a cage, plan the net fixings at the same time; it is easier than adding them later. Our guide to bolt-in and weld-in cages covers the cage side of the job.
Choosing a window net
- Approval. If your regulations name a standard, choose a net built to it and keep its paperwork or label.
- Size. Measure the opening. Standard nets suit many cars but not all; some makers, TRS among them, can make special sizes.
- Fixing method. Loops and brackets, velcro or a cage bar, depending on your car and how often the net comes out.
- Construction. Strong webbing and neat stitching; TRS nets use 25mm webbing with 50mm openings.
- Colour. Black, red and blue are the usual stock colours for TRS, with others made to order. Check lead times if you have an event date.
The window nets we sell
TRS Window Net. Made in England, 40cm by 60cm, with loops top and bottom, built to FIA Appendix J Article 253 requirements according to TRS. It pairs with the TRS fixing kit.
TRS Window Net Velcro Fastening. A larger 57cm by 51cm net that attaches with velcro, quick to take off and put back on between stages or sessions.
TRS Window Net Quarter Light. For the rear quarter light opening behind the driver, where regulations or the car call for it. TRS recommend using it with their fixing kit.
TRS Window Net Fixing Kit. The press-release bracket system for TRS loop nets, in black.
Sabelt Racing Driver FIA Window Net. An FIA approved net from Sabelt, sold singly. Mounting hardware is usually separate.
Garreth’s advice is to buy the net and its fixings together, so we can check the bracket positions suit your window frame before anything is sent. Our guide on mounting harnesses to a roll cage is worth reading at the same time if the car is being built.
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From £36.00 Incl. VATPayPal CreditAmazing valuePerfect add-onSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £54.00 Incl. VATPayPal CreditAmazing valuePerfect add-onSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What does a racing window net do?
It keeps the driver’s arms and head inside the car through the window opening in an impact or roll.
Do I need a window net?
Many championships that require a cage also require a net; check your current regulations and ask the scrutineer.
How does a window net attach?
With loops and a press-release fixing kit, with velcro, or on a cage bar, depending on the net and the car.
Does a window net need a quick release?
Yes. The driver and marshals must be able to drop it quickly, so follow the maker’s instructions and your regulations.
Can TRS make a window net in a special size?
Yes. Send us the opening dimensions and we will check a bespoke size with TRS.
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Most common setupTRS net and fixing kit
A loop window net with a press-release bracket kit, bought together so the fit is checked.
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